Sir Gavin Williamson has resigned from his ministerial position after accusations of bullying.
His resignation letter came shortly after a former civil servant, who claimed Sir Gavin told them to "slit your throat", made a formal complaint against him.
In his resignation letter, Sir Gavin Williamson told Rishi Sunak: "As you know, there is an ongoing complaints process concerning text messages I sent to a colleague. I am complying with this process and I have apologised to the recipient for those messages.
READ MORE: City centre pub transformed and given new name for huge TV series
"Since then, there have been other allegations made about my past conduct. I refute the characterisation of these claims, but I recognise these are becoming a distraction for the good work this government is doing for the British people.
"I have therefore decided to step back from government so that I can comply fully with the complaints process that is underway and clear my name of any wrongdoing."
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/news
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter.
Follow us on Twitter @LivECHONews - the official Liverpool ECHO Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
READ NEXT
Drug dealer 'Lawless Fly' trafficked more than £5million of heroin and cocaine
Loving dad dies after 'flu symptoms'
New Mersey Ferry to be built for first time in 60 years
Gunman 'emerged from bushes' and shot two men at bonfire event
